FEBRUARY | 2013
IN THIS ISSUE: Monthly Highlights
2
Reports you should read
3
Magazine Reviews
4
Apps and Websites
6
MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS Is the drought over? Another big month in all things property! The best news is that the Australian housing market looks like it is in recovery. The RBA has kept rates on hold, a number of lenders have come out with fixed rates below 5%pa, and even two of the market commentators agree that house prices are going up in capital cities. It seems that the stars are aligning to make 2013 a great year. With a new year comes a new look, I hope you like the magazine look of the Toolbox, easier to read for your convenience. I have been in the studios this month and on site filming the new 'how to renovation course' Your Renovation Success. I can't wait to show it to you, actual I am looking for some Beta testers so watch for that email in coming weeks. This week I have been filming an actual pre purchase property inspection on site of a property that I think is ripe for a Reno and filming a how to plaster a wall – exciting times. In preparation for this new course the 5 Course Your Property Success premier course will no longer be available to the public and will be off the market in the next few weeks. It will return some time in the future, maybe late 2013 or 2014. It will be revised, updated and not at the 2012 price, however if you buy now you will get access to lifetime updates. See below. As you can see the magazines this month are crammed full of great motivating stories as well as some hotspots predictions you should check out. Actually API asked me to look into the issue of LMI and are you still responsible for repaying the debt once the lender is compensated by the LMI provider. It took a bit of digging as even the lenders I questioned had differing answers so I think you will be surprised as I was by the answer. Anyhow till next month I hope this Toolbox serves you and happy investing. Jane Slack-Smith
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Reports you should read and watch Herron Todd White As every month you just should be subscribing to the Herron Todd White monthly report – with hundreds of valuers out there every day you get a glimpse of up to date commentary on the market. Seriously these guys are on the ground daily and have a better than most attempt at telling us how it is. Yes they do look at regional areas as well so we have are just not limited to major capital cities. This is an interesting comment this month “there have been claims that buyers have rate fatigue and movements will have little impact on the stimulation of demand. It seems as if the market needs some other overall kick-start to get things moving.” So not all market commentators think that 2013 is out of the drought. Check it out here and get access straight away.
RP Data Watch this 10 min video – the news is good. There is a trend of prices going up in the capital cities. Darwin being the strongest performer followed by Sydney. The prediction is that Sydney will be the first to reach a new market peak the earliest – the word on the street RECOVERY. Click below to watch the video.
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Magazine Summaries and Reviews for the Month of February Australian Property Investor Magazine March 2013 Everyone loves motivating stories and this edition is packed with them. This time we get to see how three investors under 36 have built up over $1mill in equity. Each has a different strategy, buy and hold, renovate and developing. There is something for everyone in these stories. NB 2 of the 3 were tradies I am sure those skills came in handy. With 75% of property investors earning under $80,000pa it once again proves investing is not just for the rich. There are many more investor interviews in this magazine, from developers to Defence Housing owners to joint ventures – seriously good reads. Don’t miss accountant Julia Hartman’s story about buying off the plan – great stuff. You should check out the article where Steve Keen (made famous by his predictions of property prices falling 4 years ago by 40%) and Christopher Joye (of ‘no they won’t, we are OK here in Oz” fame). They go head to head looking at the year ahead and answer the question ‘will we come out of the growth drought?’ You can guess which way they argue. Recently I have seen some really nasty comments online following the debates between these two property commentators. Just remember they are presenting a case for and against, usually based on fact. The ammunition each of them uses is for you to add to your toolbox of research – not need to get personal!
Money magazine February 2013 Money is back after their well-deserved Christmas hiatus. You have to read the top shares and property picks for the year. Expert hotspotter Terry Ryder gives us the top 5 spots to look at spread all over Australia. Being a ‘Dubbo girl’ I have to say I am clouded by my parochial nature. But it reminds me of real estate agents telling me in 1997 that no-one ever goes to Williamstown in Melbourne and it would be a bad buy. Just as agents 30 years ago thought working class Paddington and Newtown would never be trendy in Sydney. So it is important to remember – it is about the numbers and changing demographics. We need to put aside preconceived perceptions and look at the numbers as investors. So maybe Dubbo is worth a look… Don’t just look at the property articles in Money it is crammed full of information, from helping your kids with money to really great offers at the back of the magazine. However I am more property alert so I enjoyed the article about buying vs renting. There are now 1295 suburbs in capital cities where you can buy for less than renting - maybe the first home buyers might be coaxed back into the market? As investors though these suburbs may not be high on your list if you thought it might reduce the number of renters for your property – or maybe you would if you think this could spark some growth. Once again it is all about the numbers.
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Your Investment Property magazine Feb 2013 This month they look at the Investors of the Year – and I have to admit these guys are all so impressive. The great thing that seems to be the trend is that they all started so young and have been able to create the life they want before turning 30. There are many lessons to be learnt from each one of these stories. Also there is a story on suburbs to watch and a great review on property vs shares. If you are planning on investing in 2013 these two articles are a great place to start your research.
Smart Property Investment magazine Feb 2013 The cover story this month looks at the fastest growth suburbs predicted for 2013. This is a good place to start if you are thinking about doing something this year in property. Other articles not to be missed is the one on how to pass on your property to your children and an update on the renovation project that the magazine is currently doing – yes they buy their own property and put their money where their mouth is. Of course one of my favourites is the story on renovation. Note: some of the magazines were not out by our mid-month publishing date so I have included 2 reviews of magazines from last month.
Overheard this month As heard at Business Outlook Breakfasts in Sydney and Melbourne with CommSec Chief Economist, Craig James. He joked that it's easy to be an expert on the Australian economy; you only need to know one word, China. China has been the key driver behind economic developments here and is also changing world economic order. China and India’s growing middle class is demanding new products and services, especially education that Australian businesses are very well placed to provide.
Looking for a great gift? If you have not got a copy of my latest book yet – then this might be just the thing to make your 2013 goals a reality http://yourpropertysuccess.com.au/book/. Order now and you’ll receive free postage and a free e-book; “Renovation Tips and Tricks”.
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Websites, Apps & Subscriptions you should sign-up for (mostly free) This month I have a great tool for your tool box. There are so many good newsletters to subscribe to here is one I enjoy reading. App for the month is Shoeboxed Australia it allows me to keep all my receipts – especially good for renovations – all in one place! Let us know about any you’ve found helpful apps you would like to share enquiries@yourpropertysuccess.com.au
SQM research Signup for the SQM newsletter. SQM reports results on vacancies, stock on market, discounted properties, all great things for your toolbox. Signup for newsletter by clicking here. The weekly newsletter usually shares the largest discounts seen in the market – this week they concentrate on Sydney and show properties that have been on the market for more than 1000 days – in the words of the wise managing director Louis Christopher “lower your prices”. Click here to view.
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Disclosure – I purchase with my own money many courses and reports and I give my personal thoughts and opinions on these products and only recommend those I feel of benefit to property investors. In some cases I am invited to be an affiliate of some of these reports, courses and related products and if you buy through my links, I am paid a commission. I believe this does not influence me, but you need to decide that for yourself. I do believe transparency is vital and hence this disclosure.
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